susan rice is thought to be a leading contender, but some republicans have been highly critical of rice following the attack on the u.s. consulate in libya. >> when they go after the u.n. ambassador, apparently because they think she's an easy target, then they've got a problem with me. >> senator mccain? >> thank you very much, mr. secretary. >> senator john mccain jokingly gave the cabinet post nod to democrat john kerry, the senate foreign relations committee chairman. >> i think john kerry would be an excellent appointment and would be easily confirmed by his colleagues. >> kerry is also list as a potential defense secretary to replace leon panetta. it's a list that includes michelle flornoy. and former nebraska senator, chuck hagel, a republican, could represent a teach across the aisle. >> we are in a stronger position today as a country than we were in '08. >> reporter: treasury secretary tim geithner said he will stay at his post at least until inauguration. and the chief of staff is often named as a potential replacement. a poll asked if he thought president obama would pick go